Paylocity vs BambooHR
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Paylocity
Paylocity is a modern HR and payroll platform designed for mid-market businesses. It combines payroll processing with employee engagement tools, learning management, and workforce analytics. Paylocity stands out for its strong mobile experience and focus on building connected, engaged workplaces.
BambooHR
BambooHR is an HR software platform focused on employee data management, onboarding, and performance tracking. It is widely used by small to mid-size companies for its intuitive interface and strong reporting tools. BambooHR excels at centralizing employee records and streamlining HR workflows.
Pros
- ✓Strong employee engagement and communication tools
- ✓Excellent mobile app for both managers and employees
- ✓Modern UI with good user adoption rates
- ✓Robust payroll with strong compliance features
Cons
- ✗Pricing requires a sales call and is not published online
- ✗Implementation can be complex for larger organizations
- ✗Some advanced features require additional modules at extra cost
Pros
- ✓Clean, intuitive interface that HR teams love
- ✓Excellent onboarding tools with e-signatures and task management
- ✓Strong analytics and customizable reporting
- ✓Good mobile app for employees and managers
Cons
- ✗Payroll is a US-only add-on that costs extra
- ✗Limited functionality for international teams
- ✗Performance management module is basic compared to dedicated tools
Paylocity vs BambooHR: Side by Side
| Factor | Paylocity | BambooHR |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | $6/employee/mo |
| Best For | Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees | Small to mid-size US businesses focused on HR |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Paylocity Features
- ✓Payroll
- ✓benefits
- ✓talent management
- ✓workforce management
- ✓analytics
- ✓employee self-service
BambooHR Features
- ✓Employee records
- ✓PTO tracking
- ✓onboarding
- ✓performance reviews
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Paylocity if mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees. Choose BambooHR if small to mid-size us businesses focused on hr.
Best For
Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees
Best For
Small to mid-size US businesses focused on HR
How Paylocity and BambooHR Are Similar
- •Both are HR Software platforms designed for business teams
- •Both offer web-based access with no software installation required
- •Both provide customer support and onboarding resources
- •Both integrate with popular third-party business tools
- •Both offer a trial or demo to evaluate before purchasing
Also Consider
If neither Paylocity nor BambooHR is the right fit, Justworks is worth evaluating.
Justworks
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
From $59/employee/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Paylocity and BambooHR?
Paylocity is best for mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees. BambooHR is best for small to mid-size us businesses focused on hr.
Which is better, Paylocity or BambooHR?
Choose Paylocity if mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees. Choose BambooHR if small to mid-size us businesses focused on hr.
How much does Paylocity cost?
Paylocity starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does BambooHR cost?
BambooHR starts at $6/employee/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Paylocity?
Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees
Who should use BambooHR?
Small to mid-size US businesses focused on HR